KR20140031937A - Absorbent article having intake structure - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article 1 comprising a fluid permeable topsheet 2, a fluid impermeable backsheet 4, and an absorbent core 6 enclosed between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 4. The absorbent core 6 comprises a first absorbent layer 22 having an aperture 25 extending therethrough. A fluid flow control structure 24 is arranged between the first absorbent layer 22 and the backsheet 4. The fluid flow control structure 24 is a layered structure comprising a non-perforated fibrous polymer layer 31 and a first perforated polymer layer 32 having a basis weight of 50 g / m 2 to 100 g / m 2.

Description

Absorbent article with suction structure {ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING INTAKE STRUCTURE}

The present invention provides an absorbent article comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a fluid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core includes a first absorbent layer and an opening extending through the first absorbent layer. It relates to an article.

Absorbent articles of the kind worn in general panties include incontinence guards and sanitary napkins. These items must have a configuration and size that fit snugly into the limited space available in the crotch portion of the underwear, so they are probably designed relatively narrowly. For this reason there is a particular problem with such articles that there may be leaks at the side edges before sufficient absorbent capacity of the article is utilized.

Lateral leakage can occur as a result of the absorbed fluid being quickly and evenly distributed in all directions from the point of entry of the fluid into the article. This will cause fluid to exit the article at the side edges before being distributed to the end portion of the article. Another cause of lateral leakage may be when the suction capacity of the article is not sufficient to allow all fluid spilled over the article to enter directly into the article. Instead, the fluid flows over the topsheet and past the side edges of the article, which can leak and soil the wearer's clothing. Another disadvantage of fluid flowing out of the topsheet is that a significant portion of the body-contacting topsheet will get wet. This is of course very undesirable because it makes the article unhygienic and unpleasant to wear.

Incontinence guards and sanitary napkins are designed to have an overall absorption capacity large enough to absorb all the fluid expected to be released to the absorbent article during the wearing period. However, the fluid generally does not flow in a constant flow, but rather a relatively large volume suddenly flows out at high pressure in a very short time period. Thus, it is desirable for the absorbent article to be able to receive and contain the released fluid at a corresponding rate.

Many efforts have been made in the past to overcome side leak problems with disposable absorbent articles such as incontinence guards and sanitary napkins. However, none of these efforts have been completely successful to date.

International publication WO 2009/105000 discloses a laminated fiber web with grooves of decreasing cross-sectional area in the thickness direction of the web. This web can be used as a fluid intake material and is believed to improve fluid flow through the web.

Prior art laminate materials can alleviate the side leakage problem to some extent, but there is still a great need for further improvements in side leakage prevention in the type of absorbent article worn on the crotch portion of the underwear.

According to the present invention, there is provided an absorbent article with improved suction capacity, fluid distribution characteristics, and leakage prevention.

The absorbent article according to the invention has a longitudinal and transverse direction, a lateral edge extending in the longitudinal direction and an end edge extending in the transverse direction, the fluid permeable topsheet, the fluid impermeable backsheet and the encapsulation between the topsheet and the backsheet. An absorbent core, the absorbent core comprising a first absorbent layer, the first absorbent layer having an opening extending therethrough.

A fluid flow control structure is arranged between the first absorbent layer and the backsheet, the fluid flow control structure is a layered structure comprising a non-perforated fibrous polymer layer and a first perforated polymer layer, wherein the first perforated polymer layer is 50 g. It has a basis weight of / m 2 to 150g / m 2, preferably a basis weight of 60g / m 2 to 100g / m 2.

The fluid flow control structure provides an article with a high suction capacity.

Moreover, the article of the present invention provides a large cavity volume for the temporary storage of the fluid. The cavity volume is made by the hollow space or is well formed in the opening of the absorbent layer and inside the porous fluid flow control structure. As soon as the fluid enters the fluid flow control structure, it may advance to the open pore structure of the non-perforated layer and be distributed far away from the first wetted region of the absorbent article. The fluid flow control structure not only promotes fluid transport far from the first wet area, but also facilitates fluid distribution through the absorbent core in both the longitudinal and thickness directions of the absorbent article. The width of the fluid flow control structure may be less than the width of the first absorbent layer, whereby the fluid dispersion rate is changed at the edge of the fluid flow control structure. The fluid flow control structure is preferably a highly porous structure with less resistance to fluid flow than the first absorbent layer, suggesting that the fluid will first continue to move in the fluid flow control structure. Thus, the edge of the fluid flow control structure can act as a barrier to the fluid distribution traversing the side edges of the absorbent article, reducing the risk of side failure.

The opening through the first absorbent layer is preferably located in the wet region of the absorbent article. The wet region of the article is the portion of the article that is designed to be initially wet by the fluid released when the article is worn and placed in the crotch region of the absorbent article. The fluid released by arranging the openings in the first absorbent layer in the wet region can flow directly into the openings and gather temporarily in the space defined by the openings and adjacent layers of the absorbent article.

In the absorbent article of the present invention, the first absorbent layer may have one or more openings. The opening or openings can have any suitable shape or combination of shapes, such as circular, oval, rectangular, square, star, flower, heart, H-shaped, T-shaped, I-shaped, and the like. Thus, the arrangement, shape and size of the opening or openings may vary within the scope of the present invention.

Due to the combination of perforated and non-perforated layers and the high basis weight, the fluid flow control structure will preferably have a relatively high flexural stiffness. The high flexural stiffness provides the absorbent article with an improved ability to resist transverse compression between the thighs of the article wearer to offset unwanted deformations of the article during wear, such that the openings in the first absorbent layer allow fluid acceptance throughout the use of the article. It remains open. The flexural strength or flexural resistance of the laminate material in the fluid flow control structure may be 0.5-5N, preferably 1-4N, as measured by the modified ASTM D 4032-82 circular bending process. It may be desirable for the flexural stiffness of any portion of the absorbent article extending laterally out of the fluid flow control structure to have a lower flexural stiffness than the fluid flow control structure, such that this low rigidity lateral portion of the absorbent article It can act as a cushioning means between the wearer's legs.

The absorbent article according to the present invention may comprise a second absorbent layer arranged between the fluid flow control structure and the backsheet.

The first perforated polymer layer can be a nonwoven, film or film / nonwoven laminate. Preferably, the first perforated polymer layer may be a nonwoven material. Suitable polymers for the first perforated polymer layer can be polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides and blends and combinations of these polymers, with polypropylene being preferred. The nonwoven material may be a carded resin bonding material, a carded through-air bonding material, a spunbond-meltbond-spunbond (SMS) material, a carded hydroentangled material, or a carded thermal bond material.

The first perforated polymer layer may be a three-dimensional formed layer with penetration apertures, the apertures extending from the first surface of the layer towards the second surface of the layer to form protrusions on the second surface, preferably Is a funnel shape. A funnel shaped hole as used herein means a hole having a shape that decreases in the extending direction so that the cross-sectional area of the hole decreases as it moves along the hole.

The first perforated polymer layer may be arranged such that the second surface faces the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer, or the second surface may be arranged spaced apart and facing the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer.

The first perforated polymer layer may be arranged as the first layer of the fluid flow control structure, ie as the layer of the structure located closest to the topsheet.

The holes of the first perforated polymer layer can have an average size of 0.5-5 mm as measured at the minimum diameter of the holes.

The open area of the first perforated polymer layer may be 5-30%, preferably 10-25%.

The non-perforated fibrous polymer layer may be a high loft material of 20-120 gsm, preferably 6-100 gsm. The polymer for the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer may be a polyester.

The fluid flow control structure may be a three layer structure consisting of a non-perforated fibrous polymer thickener, a first perforated polymer layer and a second perforated polymer layer, wherein the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer is combined with the first perforated polymer layer. Interposed between the second perforated polymer layers.

The second perforated polymer layer can be a three-dimensional formed layer with holes extending from the first surface of the web toward the second surface of the web to form protrusions on the second surface.

In the fluid flow control structure the layers may be attached to each other by an adhesive. However, other means for joining of layers, such as thermal bonding or ultrasonic bonding by hot embossing, can also be used, as well as the layers being joined without any bonding means. The fluid flow control structure of the present invention has a planar shape as a whole. In particular, the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer should preferably have a uniform thickness and a uniform pore structure. Bonding between the layers should preferably be carried out with minimal effect on the shape and pore structure of the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer.

The polymeric material of the fluid flow control structure may be a non-absorbing material that does not retain any fluid in the material itself. The function of the fluid flow control structure is to provide a temporary fluid retention capacity to the absorbent article and to distribute the fluid in the article. In fluid flow control structures the polymeric materials are hydrophobic and can have a wetting angle θ of 90 ° or nearly 90 °, suggesting that they have no wetting ability or very low wetting ability when in contact with an aqueous fluid. As such, it may be beneficial for the components of the fluid flow control structure to be treated to reduce the wetting angle and make them hydrophilic, ie wetted by body fluids. The fully wettable material has a wetting angle θ of 0 °. Any generally known method of making hydrophobic materials hydrophilic, such as treatment by surfactants, plasma or corona treatment, or the like can be used.

One aspect of an exemplary embodiment relates to a three layer fluid flow control structure, wherein the first and second perforated polymer layers both extend from the first surface of the layer toward the second surface of the layer. And a three-dimensional formed layer having penetrating holes, preferably funnel-shaped holes, forming protrusions on the second surface. Both perforated polymer layers can be arranged such that the second surface faces a non-perforated fibrous polymer layer arranged between the perforated polymer layers.

The holes in the first and second perforated polymer layers may be offset from each other. When the holes in the first and second perforated polymer layers are misaligned, the fluid touching one of the layers cannot pass directly through the thickness of the fluid flow control structure and forces a more complex path through the fluid flow control structure. Will be taken. Moreover, when the fluid enters the fluid flow control structure through the first perforated polymer layer arranged facing the topsheet of the article, at least a portion of the fluid moves down towards the backsheet. When the fluid reaches the second perforated polymer layer at the non-perforated position, the fluid will follow the second perforated polymer layer and be distributed inside the fluid flow control structure, and the fluid will finally reach the second perforated polymer layer. You can get out through the hole. The second perforated polymer layer may be a three-dimensional shaped material with holes forming projections on the side facing the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer of the fluid flow control structure in the second perforated polymer layer. In this case, a network of interconnected channels is formed between the protrusions, and fluid can be trapped within the network and flow a long distance from the first wetted area before leaving the fluid flow control structure.

The first and second perforated polymer layers of the three-dimensional shape may be oriented such that the apex of the aperture, ie the projections point towards the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer or away from the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer. The first and second perforated polymeric layers and the high-loft non-perforated fibrous polymer layers of the three-dimensional shape together contribute to the cavity volume of the fluid flow control structure and the ability of the structure to contain and move fluid.

If the fluid flow control structure is a three layer structure consisting of a non-perforated fibrous polymer layer interposed between the first perforated polymer thickener and the second perforated polymer layer, the second perforated polymer layer may comprise a chemical composition, a physical composition, It may differ from the first perforated polymer layer in terms of tri-dimensionality, open area, pore size, and the like. Alternatively, the second perforated polymer layer can be the same as the first perforated polymer layer. Thus, the second perforated polymer layer may have a basis weight, open area and pore size depending on the first perforated polymer layer.

Both perforated polymer layers can be the three-dimensional formed layer disclosed herein. Each layer may have penetration holes starting at the first surface of the layer and extending toward the second surface of the layer, the vertices of the holes forming protrusions on the second surface of the layer. The hole may be a tubular structure, with a funnel shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases while moving in the direction from the first surface to the second surface of the perforated layer is preferred.

Alternatively, one or both perforated polymer layers may be two-dimensional layers. If at least one of the perforated polymer layers is a three-dimensionally formed layer, the three-dimensionally formed perforated layer may be such that the first surface faces away from the non-perforated polymer layer or the first surface is non-perforated polymer. It may be arranged to face towards the layer. The three-dimensional formed perforated polymer layer in the absorbent article according to the invention will generally promote fluid distribution in the XY plane, ie in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the article, with the protrusions oriented to face the topsheet of the article. The extent is generally greater than a three-dimensional formed perforated polymer layer oriented such that protrusions that promote fluid transport in the Z-direction, ie, in the thickness direction, of the article face toward the backsheet of the article.

The first and second perforated polymer layers can pass fluid but act as a protective barrier to prevent particles and fibers from entering the fluid flow control structure and interfering with fluid transport within the fluid flow control structure. The particles and fibers can be, for example, absorbent material from absorbent polymer particles, cellulose fluff pulp fibers, and the like, commonly known as "superabsorbents."

The fluid flow control structure can have high resistance to compression as measured in the compression test disclosed herein. Thus, the thickness of the flow control structure at 5 kPa can be 60-680% of the thickness at 0.5 KPa in the primary, secondary and tertiary compressions performed according to the compression test disclosed herein.

In the absorbent article according to the present invention, the first absorbent layer may have two or more openings extending therethrough. The openings may be located in the same general area of the absorbent article, for example in the crotch portion of the article, or in different portions of the article, for example in two or more of the crotch portion and the end portions. A crotch portion, as used herein, is a portion of an article designed to be placed in the crotch of a wearer and to contact the vulvar region of the wearer. The crotch portion includes the wet region of the article and can be positioned asymmetrically in the longitudinal direction of the article. The end portion is located on either side of the crotch portion in the longitudinal direction of the article. The article may be specifically adapted and designed such that the end portion may be positioned towards the front or back side of the wearer, and the size, shape, and the like may be different so that the user can apply the article in the underwear in an accurate manner.

Absorbent articles of the present invention may be provided with means for securing the article to general undergarments or other support pant-clothes. The fastening means can be a mechanical fastener such as an adhesive fastener, a friction fastener, a hook portion of a hook-loop fastener or a combination of different kinds of fasteners known in the art.

The absorbent article can be an open type diaper secured around the wearer's lower body by a tape fastener, belt or similar device, or it can be a closed type panty diaper. Alternatively, the absorbent article may be of the kind worn inside the support pant, such as a sanitary napkin, panty liner or incontinence guard, or worn with a holder. Preferably, the absorbent article is an incontinence guard.

An absorbent article according to the present invention comprises a fluid permeable topsheet disposed on the surface of the incontinence guard intended to face the wearer of the incontinence guard, a backsheet disposed on the surface of the incontinence guard intended to face the wearer's underwear, and a topsheet and a backsheet. It may include an absorbent core enclosed in between.

The cover may be of the type where the topsheet and backsheet of the incontinence guard are laterally extended outward of the absorbent core along the entire perimeter of the absorbent core and connected to each other at an edge seam around the perimeter of the absorbent core. Edge seams can be formed in any suitable manner known in the art, such as by adhesives, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, stitching, and the like. Other cover configurations, such as wrap-around covers, are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

The topsheet can be composed of any material suitable for the purpose. Examples of topsheet materials commonly found are nonwoven materials, perforated plastic films, plastic or woven mesh and fluid permeable foam layers. Laminates composed of two or more topsheet materials are also commonly used, and topsheets composed of different materials in different parts at the surface facing the wearable fluid are also commonly used. The topsheet is preferably a nonwoven web without holes.

The backsheet is preferably fluid impermeable. However, backsheet materials that are resistant only to fluid penetration can be used, especially if, for example, relatively small amounts of urine are expected to be absorbed by the incontinence guard. While the backsheet can be a thin, flexible, fluid-impermeable plastic film, fluid-impermeable nonwoven materials, fluid-impermeable foams, and fluid-impermeable laminates are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention. The backsheet can be breathable, suggesting that air and vapor can pass through the backsheet. Moreover, the backsheet may be made of a textile material such as a nonwoven on the surface facing the outer garment.

The absorbent core may be made of any suitable absorbent or fluid intake material known in the art, such as one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp, foam, fiber fillers, and the like. Absorbent cores may contain fibers or particles of a very absorbent polymer material, commonly known as superabsorbents, which are materials that have the ability to absorb and retain large amounts of fluid in the formation of hydrogels. The superabsorbent may be mixed with cellulose fluff pulp and / or arranged in pockets or layers in the absorbent core. The absorbent core may further incorporate components to improve the properties of the absorbent core. Some examples of such components are binder fibers, fluid-dispersion materials, fluid acquisition materials, and the like, known in the art.

The absorbent article may comprise two or more absorbent cores. The core may be a large core at the top and a small core at the bottom.

The absorbent article may further comprise a component, such as an elastic element. The elastic element may be arranged along the side edge of the absorbent article. Elastic elements arranged along the side edges of the absorbent article improve the anatomical fit of the article by inducing longitudinal warp of the article to conform to the crotch surface of the wearer.

When the absorbent core includes a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer, the fluid flow control structure can be arranged between the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer. The first absorbent layer may be positioned in direct contact with the topsheet. Alternatively, the first absorbent layer may be positioned in indirect contact with the topsheet through one or more intervening components, such as a tissue layer, acquisition layer, or additional absorbent layer. Similarly, the second absorbent layer can be positioned directly under the fluid flow control structure and in direct contact with the fluid flow control structure and the backsheet, but alternatively indirect contact with one or both of these components by intervening components. Can be left intact.

The absorbent layer of the core may be a homogeneous structure or may itself be a layered structure such as an absorbent laminate of the same or different materials. The absorbent layer can have a uniform thickness, or the thickness can vary in different parts of the layer. Similarly, basis weight and composition can also vary within the absorbent layers. By way of example, the absorbent layer can comprise absorbent fibers and / or mixtures of non-absorbent fibers and superabsorbent materials, wherein the ratio of superabsorbent material to fibers can vary in the layer.

The fluid flow control structure may be rectangular in shape and may be enclosed in the longitudinal and transverse directions by a portion of the absorbent core. While other shapes and configurations of fluid flow control structures can also be used, it is generally beneficial for the fluid flow control structure to have a width equal to or less than the absorbent core and a length equal to or shorter than the absorbent core. The fluid flow control structure has a highly porous internal structure and has a lower resistance to fluid flow than conventional absorbent materials. This is because the fluid dispersion rate changes at the edge of the fluid flow control structure so that the fluid reaching the edge will continue to move mainly in the fluid flow control structure, in which case the flow resistance is lowered before being absorbed by the core material. In this way, the edge of the fluid flow control structure acts as a barrier to the fluid distribution traversing the side edges of the absorbent article, thereby reducing the risk of side failure. Conventional absorbent materials, such as cellulose fluff pulp and superabsorbents, have relatively smaller capillaries than fluid flow control structures. Fibrous structures with fine capillaries have a low fluid intake capacity, but exhibit high fluid retention capacity once the fluid enters the structure. Superabsorbent materials have a much lower suction rate and higher retention capacity than the fiber absorbing structure because fluid intake in these materials is primarily driven by insertion pressure.

The components in the absorbent article may be connected to each other by conventional means such as constituent adhesives, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, and the like. It may not be necessary to bond the internal components of the absorbent article to each other by special bonding means. Thus, these components may be sufficient to be held together by frictional forces.

Test Methods

Deformed ASTM  D 4032-82 Circular Bending Process

Device:

The apparatus is a modified circular bending stiffness tester, which has the following parts:

102.0 x 102.0 x 6.35mm smooth polished steel plate platform with 18.75mm diameter holes. The wrap edge of the hole should be at an angle of 45 degrees to a depth of 4.75 mm.

A plunger having a total length of 72.2 mm, a diameter of 6.25 mm, a ball nose radius of 2.97 mm and a point of radius less than 0.5 mm and a needle point having a base diameter of 0.33 mm and extending 0.88 mm therefrom, the plunger being concentric with the hole And have the same clearance in all respects. The needle point is only to prevent lateral movement of the test specimen during the test. Therefore, needle points should not be used if the needle points have a significant adverse effect on the test specimen (eg, through the inflation structure). The bottom of the plunger should rest well on top of the hole plate. In this position, the downward stroke of the ball nose exactly touches the bottom of the plate hole.

Force measurement gauges and more specifically Instron inverted compression load cells. This load cell has a load range of 0.0 to 10N.

Instron ™ tester with actuator, more specifically with inverted compression load cell. Instron ™ testers are manufactured by Instron Engineering Corporation (Canton, Massachusetts).

Sample Number And Preparation:

Ten test specimens of 37.5 x 37.5 mm were cut from the tested laminate material to carry out this test procedure.

process:

The procedure for the circular bending process is as follows. Adjust by leaving the specimen for 2 hours in a room at 21 ± 1 ° C. and 50 ± 1% relative humidity. Level the test plate. Set the plunger speed to 50.0 cm per minute per full stroke length. The specimen is centered on the hole platform below the plunger with the body surface of the specimen facing the plunger and the garment surface facing the platform. Check indicator zero and adjust if necessary. Start the plunger. Contact with the specimen during the test should be avoided. Record and record the maximum force to the nearest gram. Repeat the above steps to test all five identical specimens.

Compressibility

process:

The principle of this method is to continuously measure the thickness of the material while gradually compressing the material into a metal rod up to a force of 5N. The results constitute a data point of force and expansion. The force is converted into pressure depending on the rod contact area. The metal rod is cylindrical and 10 mm in diameter at the flat base.

Mount the rod to the 10N load cell of the upper fixture of the Instron test apparatus.

The flat plate is mounted on the lower holder and centered under the bar so that the sample can be placed on top of the plate and compressed without moving the plate. The moving speed of the rod is 5 mm per minute. These settings are preprogrammed in an Instron Bluehill program called "New Mecano 5N", but you should check the program settings before testing to ensure that all limits are set to the appropriate values. Implementation with a modified version can lead to damage to the device, in particular to a sensitive load cell.

Test Conduct:

The first run is empty without a sample. This practice is used to find the zero thickness position where the steel plate breaks the rod. Due to the rapid increase in force that occurs when the rod impacts the metal and the device not being able to offset it quickly enough, an empty run typically produces a force above the maximum limit setting before the rod stops. Care is taken to ensure that the load cell can withstand the impact without damage. In an empty run, special settings can be used to reduce the limit maximum force and rod speed.

When the bar stops, the Instron device waits for user input. Next, the extension is manually reset to zero. This ensures that the extension is set to zero at the correct calibration point at which the bar contacts the base, and the extension is measured against the bottom plate. The rod can then be moved manually so that the sample can be placed on the bottom plate.

To test the sample, manually move the rod so it is on the surface of the sample and start the program. The rod is moved down at a speed of 5 mm per minute until the limit force is reached.

Sample:

The sample was punched from the material tested with a square of 50 mm sides. If the material has varying thickness, the sample is taken from the thickest part of the material. The bar is pressed at the center of the sample, and each sample is tested three times without movement between runs. Ten samples of each tested material were used and measured a total of 30 times.

result:

The result is a complete set of data points for force versus expansion. Force is typically calculated back to pressure using the measured force divided by the bottom area of the rod. The result can be recorded graphically, or a specific pressure can be selected and the thickness recorded, in which case the result is the thickness for a given pressure.

Open area and hall diameter  Measure

The following methods can be used to determine the open area and hole diameter of the perforated material.

Device:

-Nikon microscope

-Personal computer

Software NIS-Elements BR 3.10

process:

Collect samples of material with holes.

Place the sample on the reading surface of the microscope.

-Start the software.

Select a representative image of the sample.

Perform characterization by contrast technique involving the emphasis of the area occupied by the holes.

The software calculates the diameter of the holes highlighted as the major and minor diagonals of the rhombus inscribed in the hole. The ratio between diameters is used to determine the actual average shape of the hole relative to the circular shape, with a ratio of 1 representing the shape which is completely circular.

Calculate the open area percentage using the average hole area value obtained by the software.

Other methods for determining open area and hole diameter, such as manual methods and methods based on scanning electron microscopy, may also be used.

The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings shown in the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 shows the incontinence protector according to the present invention in terms of facing the underwear when incontinence protector is worn.
FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the incontinence guard of FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. FIG.
3 shows a cross section of a fluid flow control structure according to the invention.
4 shows an exploded perspective view of a fluid flow control structure in accordance with the present invention.
5A-D show an absorbent layer with openings.

The absorbent article of the present invention is illustrated by the incontinence guards shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The present invention is equally applicable to any kind of sanitary absorbent article. Such articles include incontinence guards, sanitary napkins, panty liners, diapers with tape fasteners, panty diapers or belt type diapers.

1 shows the urine incontinence guard 1 viewed from the side of the incontinence guard 1 intended to face towards the wearer's body when the incontinence guard 1 is worn.

The incontinence guard 1 comprises a fluid permeable topsheet 2, a backsheet 4, and an absorbent core 6 enclosed between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 4. The topsheet 2 and backsheet 4 of the incontinence guard 1 are shown laterally extended together out of the absorbent core 6 along the entire perimeter of the absorbent core 6, and the periphery of the absorbent core 6. It is connected to each other at the circumferential edge seam 7.

Topsheet 2 and backsheet 4 may be constructed from any material suitable for the particular purpose disclosed herein.

The incontinence guard 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is elongate and generally has a rectangular shape when fully deployed in all directions. The term “generally” in this context means, for example, that the corner of the incontinence guard 1 may be rounded, or that the edge of the incontinence guard 1 may not be completely linear as illustrated in FIG. 1. . The shape of the incontinence guard 1 shown in FIG. 1 should not be considered a limitation in the present invention. Thus, any other suitable shape may be used, such as hourglass shape, trapezoidal shape, triangular shape and elliptical shape. The shape of the article of the present invention may be symmetrical about the transverse centerline penetrating the article as shown in FIG. 1, or as asymmetric, the end portions may have different shapes and / or different sizes.

The incontinence guards of FIGS. 1 and 2 have two longitudinal side edges 8, 9 having the same length, which generally extend in the same direction as the longitudinal centerline 10 penetrating the incontinence guard 1. The front and rear end edges 11, 12 extend transversely to the longitudinal center line 10 at the end of the incontinence guard. The rear end edge 12 is intended to be oriented back during use of the incontinence guard 1 and the front end edge 11 is intended to face forward toward the abdomen of the wearer.

The incontinence guard 1 has a front end portion 13, a rear end portion 14 and a crotch portion 15 positioned midway between the end portions 13, 14. The crotch portion 15 is a portion of the incontinence guard 1 which is positioned in contact with the crotch of the wearer during the wearing of the guard 1 and is intended to constitute the main learning area for the body fluids reaching the guard 1.

The incontinence guard 1 further comprises fastening means 16 for fastening the incontinence guard 1 in a support-pant garment such as an underpants. The fastening means 16 is in the form of two longitudinally extending bands of pressure sensitive adhesive arranged on the surface facing the garment of the backsheet 4. In FIG. 2, the fastening means 16 is shown covered by a protective layer 17 which is peeled off. The protective layer can be siliconized paper, nonwovens or any other peeling material known in the art. Prior to placing the incontinence guard on the support-pants garment, the protective layer is removed from the securing means 16 to expose the adhesive and make it available for securing to the panty garment.

The fastening means 16 is optional in the present invention and can be omitted if desired. When using adhesive fastening means, any suitable adhesive pattern may be used, such as full backsheet coating, one or more longitudinal adhesive strips, transverse strips, dots, circles, curves, stars, and the like. In addition, the fastening means 16 may be a mechanical fastener such as a hook type fastener, a clip, a press stud, or the like, or may be a friction fastener such as a friction coating or an open cell foam. Combinations of different kinds of fasteners can also be envisioned.

The absorbent core 6 of the incontinence guard 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a first absorbent layer 22 and a second absorbent layer 23. The fluid flow control structure 24 is arranged between the first absorbent layer 22 and the second absorbent layer 23. In the incontinence guard 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the first absorbent layer 22 is positioned in direct contact under the topsheet 2. Other arrangements disclosed herein can also be used.

The first absorbent layer 22 and the second absorbent layer 23 are generally shown to have a rectangular shape. The second absorbent layer 23 is located under the first absorbent layer 22. The second absorbent layer 23 is somewhat smaller than the first absorbent layer 22, whereby the first absorbent layer 22 extends past the second absorbent layer 23 back and forth in the incontinence guard 1. The size and shape of the absorbent layer can be different from those shown in the figures without departing from the invention. Moreover, the second absorbent layer 23 may be omitted from the absorbent article according to the present invention or the absorbent article may comprise one or more additional absorbent layers.

The first absorbent layer 22 has an opening 25 extending completely through the layer 22 in the crotch portion 15 of the incontinence guard 1. The opening 25 has an elongated shape. The shape, size, and position of the openings 25 in the first absorbent layer 22 can be different from that shown in FIG. 1 as described herein without departing from the present invention.

Topsheet 2 is shown extending downward toward cavity 26 defined by a surface facing opening 25 of first absorbent layer 22 and topsheet of fluid flow control structure 24. The cavity 26 is located in the wet area of the incontinence guard 1 and, during use, will be positioned just below the female wearer's element and vaginal inlet. Any body fluid released into the incontinence guard 1 will be collected directly in the cavity 26 and temporarily contained in the cavity until it is further distributed throughout the absorbent core 6.

Some of the fluid collected in the cavity 26 may be absorbed by the first absorbent layer through the walls of the cavity 26. However, most of the fluid continues down the incontinence guard 1 and passes through the bottom of the cavity 26 to the fluid flow control structure 1, as described in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, where there is a flow control structure. It is distributed along the lengthwise and transverse directions along (24).

A fluid flow control structure 24 having a rectangular shape and surrounded in length and transverse directions by parts of the absorbent core 6 is shown in FIG. 1. It is generally advantageous for the fluid flow control structure 24 to have a width less than the absorbent core 6, and preferably also shorter than the absorbent core 6.

The components of the incontinence guard 1 may be connected to each other by conventional means such as constituent adhesive, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, and the like. It may not be necessary to join the internal components of the incontinence guards by special bonding means. Thus, these components may be sufficient to be held together by frictional forces.

The function of the fluid flow control structure 24 according to the invention useful for absorbent articles such as the incontinence guard 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The fluid flow control structure 24 of FIGS. 3 and 4 consists of a three layer consisting of a non-perforated fibrous polymer layer 31 sandwiched between a first perforated polymer layer 32 and a second perforated polymer layer 33. Structure.

Perforated polymer layers 32 and 33 are three-dimensionally formed layers. Each layer 32, 33 has a penetration hole 34 starting at the first surface 32 ′, 33 ′ of the layer and extending toward the second surface 32 ″, 33 ″ of the layer, The apex of 34 forms a protrusion 35 on the second surfaces 32 ", 33". The hole has a tubular structure, preferably having a funnel shape shown in FIG. The distance between the first surface 32 ', 33' and the second surface 32 ", 33" is the apparent thickness of each layer 32,33.

When the fluid 36 reaches the first surface 32 ′ of the first perforated polymer layer 32 it passes through the hole 34 after being slightly dispersed over the surface 32 ′ as shown in FIG. 3. Go to the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer 31. The non-perforated fibrous polymer layer 31 provides very little resistance to fluid flow, whereby the fluid travels relatively freely in the layer 31 and finally the second perforated layer 33 down by gravity. , Further further downward movement is limited by the second surface 33 ″ of the second perforated layer 33. A small amount of fluid is projected to the protrusion 35 of the second perforated layer 33. By entering the opening at the apex of, it is possible to get out of the fluid flow control structure 24. However, most of the fluid can be removed by advancing in an interconnected channel network 37 formed between the protrusions 35 as illustrated in FIG. Will be further dispersed on the second surface 33 ″ of the second layer 33.

Fluid captured in the interconnected channel network 37 may cause the fluid level to rise above the height of the protrusion 35 until it reaches the edge of the fluid flow control structure 24 or the channel network 37 is saturated with the fluid. Generally will not exit fluid flow control structure 24 until such time as it is. Thus, the fluid 36 will be distributed along the second surface 33 "in all directions from the initial point of impact of the fluid. A hole 34 may be distributed in the perforated polymer layers 32, 33, thereby. Fluid dispersion occurs in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in which the fluid flow control structure 24 is located, to a greater extent than in the direction traversed thereto. 33 has holes 34 arranged in a staggered line, whereby a straight channel is generally formed between the holes 34 in the longitudinal direction L of the layers 32, 33, and in the transverse direction T. A straight channel is formed This arrangement of holes 34 in the second perforated polymer layer 33 serves to promote longitudinal fluid flow and to limit transverse fluid flow in the fluid flow control structure.

5A-5D illustrate that the first absorbent layer in the absorbent article of the present invention may have one or more openings of different shapes and configurations. The particular configuration shown in FIGS. 5A-D should not be considered a limitation on the present invention, but is provided only as examples of as many variations as possible within the scope of the present invention. 5A shows a first absorbent layer having a plurality of circular openings in the crotch portion of the layer. 5B shows a first absorbent layer with three elongated openings in the front portion of the layer and one elongated opening in the back portion of the layer. FIG. 5C shows a first absorbent layer with flipper shaped openings, and FIG. 5D shows a first absorbent layer with H-shaped openings. The layer shown in FIG. 5A may be suitable, for example, if it is desired that the total opening area be large while the layer is not broken or deformed during the manufacture of the absorbent article according to the invention. Layers such as those shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C and with large opening areas in front may be particularly useful for sanitary napkins used during the day. The layer of FIG. 5B will additionally work well in absorbent articles for use during the night when fluid can flow back between the wearer's hips. The layer of FIG. 5D may be particularly suitable for incontinence guards where it may be desirable to expel fluid quickly from the crotch portion of the absorbent article toward its end.

5A-D also show that the entire absorbent article as well as the first absorbent layer can have any suitable shape known in the art.

Claims (21)

A fluid permeable topsheet 2, a fluid impermeable backsheet 4, and a longitudinal and transverse direction, longitudinally extending side edges 8, 9 and transversely extending end edges 11, 12; In an absorbent article (1) comprising an absorbent core (6) enclosed between the topsheet (2) and the backsheet (4), the absorbent core (6) is formed of an article having an opening (25) extending therethrough. A first absorbent layer 22, a fluid flow control structure 24 is arranged between the first absorbent layer 22 and the backsheet 4, and the fluid flow control structure 24 is a non-perforated fiber. A layered structure comprising a polymer layer 31 and a first perforated polymer layer 32, wherein the first perforated polymer layer 32 has a basis weight of 50 g / m 2 to 150 g / m 2. Article (1). The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first perforated polymer layer (32) has a basis weight of 60 g / m 2 to 100 g / m 2. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first perforated polymer layer 32 is a nonwoven, film or film / nonwoven laminate, and the first perforated polymer layer 32 is preferably a nonwoven material. To absorb the goods. 4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first perforated polymer layer 32 is a three-dimensional formed layer with penetration holes 34, wherein the holes 34 are preferably funnel-shaped, An absorbent article characterized in that it extends from the first surface (32 ') of the layer towards the second surface (32 ") of the layer to form a protrusion (35) over the second surface (32"). 5. The absorbent article as in claim 4, wherein said first perforated polymer layer (32) is arranged such that said second surface (32 ") faces said non-perforated fibrous polymer layer (31). 5. The absorbent article as in claim 4, wherein said first perforated polymer layer (32) is arranged such that said second surface (32 ") is spaced apart and facing said non-perforated fibrous polymer layer (31). . 7. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the average size of the holes (34) in the first perforated polymer layer (32) is 0.5-5 mm. 8. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the open area of the first perforated polymer layer is 5-30%, preferably 10-25%. 9. The fluid flow control structure 24 according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid flow control structure 24 comprises the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer 31, the first perforated polymer layer 32 and the second perforated. A three-layer structure composed of a polymer layer 33, wherein the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer 31 is interposed between the first perforated polymer layer 32 and the second perforated polymer layer 33. An absorbent article characterized by the above. 10. The absorbent article as in claim 9, wherein said apertures (34) in said first and said second perforated polymer layers (32, 33) are offset from one another. Absorption according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the second perforated layer (33) has a basis weight of 50 g / m 2 to 150 g / m 2, preferably of 60 g / m 2 to 100 g / m 2. article. 12. The second perforated polymer layer 33 extends from the first surface 33 ′ of the layer towards the second surface 33 ″ of the layer. Absorbent article, characterized in that it is a three-dimensional formed layer with holes (34) forming a protrusion (35) over said second surface (33 "). 13. The absorbent article as in claim 12, wherein said second perforated polymer layer (33) is arranged such that said second surface (33 ") faces said non-perforated fibrous polymer layer (31). 13. The absorbent article as in claim 12, wherein said second perforated polymer layer (33) is arranged such that said second surface (32 ") is spaced apart and facing said non-perforated fiber polymer layer (31). . 15. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the average size of the holes (34) in the second perforated polymer layer (33) is 0.5-5 mm. 16. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the open area of the second perforated polymer layer (33) is 5-30%, preferably 10-25%. The method of claim 1, wherein the second perforated polymer layer 33 is a nonwoven, film or film / nonwoven laminate, and the second perforated polymer layer 33 is preferably a nonwoven material. Absorbent article, characterized in that. 18. The absorbent article as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second absorbent layer (23) is arranged between the fluid flow control structure (24) and the backsheet (4). 19. The thickness of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the thickness of the flow control structure 24 at 5 kPa in the primary, secondary and tertiary compressions performed in accordance with the compression test disclosed herein is at a thickness of 0.5 kPa. Absorbent article, characterized in that 60-80% of the time. 20. The flexural stiffness of the laminate material according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexural stiffness of the laminate material is 0.5-5N, preferably 1-4N, as measured by a modified ASTM D 4032-82 circular bending process. Absorbent article, characterized in that. 21. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the basis weight of the non-perforated fibrous polymer layer (31) is 20-120 gsm, preferably 60-100 gsm.

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